Combine 2012

CombineStats:

40 Yard Dash Secs

Bench Press28.0 reps

Strengths

Hughes is a big man who until his senior year had mostly been a gap-filler in a scheme that valued him as a frontline player. He uses his hands well to stay off blocks and displays good technique. He can defeat single blocks fairly easily and plays with good instincts. It's obvious that he is diagnosing plays early after recognizing blocking schemes.

Weaknesses

Hughes has numerous issues in his play that, if not fixed early, could severely limit his pro prospects. He seems lazy at times and rarely chases plays down on the perimeter. As a run defender, he is capable of getting through blocks but often looks shell-shocked once he gets in the backfield. He needs to finish with more force; at times Hughes would be neutralized by offensive linemen because of his poor effort and pad placement.